Students at Oxford Brookes University have passed a motion of no confidence in their vice chancellor, in protest at the cancellation of four courses. A meeting of the university's student union passed a motion of no confidence in Prof Graham Upton.

The controversial motion was proposed by students studying subjects which will be scrapped as part of the course closures announced earlier this year. It also followed protests over plans to replace the present three-term university year with four shorter semesters in 2004.

The closure of courses in geology, chemistry, civil engineering and cartography, could see the loss of up to 25 jobs, are needed to counteract a withdrawal of Government funding, which has seen the university's income fall by 37 per cent over the past 10 years.

Students are angry that they were not consulted over the cuts, and claim university managers ignored a student referendum over the introduction of semesters, in which 88 per cent of more than 2,000 student voters demanded the retention of the current term structure.

Union president Nick Adams said: "Students obviously felt that they were being ignored and that this was the only way that they could indicate their feelings. It is sad that students felt that they had to resort to such drastic action, but I hope that from now on the opinions of students are considered of great importance in making decisions which affect the future of a university they obviously cherish."

James Walsh, a first year geography and planning said: "I feel sad that students had to resort to this action to make themselves heard and to try and safeguard the high quality and reputation of the university."

A university spokesman said: "The motion of no confidence that was passed by the student union is disappointing even though it was passed by just 180 students out of a total student body of 17,000.

"The university understands students' concerns about course closures but has guaranteed the quality of the programmes while they are being phased out. Rigorous procedures are ready to begin next academic year, with students playing a major part, to safeguard standards.

"The university carried out a review of its courses to ensure that what it offers meets students' needs. This review was widely discussed with staff and with students in the university and they were given the opportunity to discuss the proposed course closures before a final decision was made.

"In some instances students made very clear representation to senior management and their views were taken very seriously, as they were when the university decided last year to move to semesters.

"The university does understand, however, that some students feel they were not adequately consulted. We are actively exploring with students ways in which communication can be made even better and the very extensive system of student representation can be made even more effective."

Professor Upton, who has been vice chancellor for five years, said: "In the past week the university has been rated the best new university in the Times and for the first time the best new university by the Financial Times. The university is clearly in good health and I have every intention to ensure that it remains so."

Danby Bloch, Chair of the Board of Governors commented: "Professor Upton has the full confidence of me and the Board of Governors. The decisions to change parts of the university have not been made lightly but they are part of a strategy to build on the strengths of the university and for it to remain relevant and excellent."